The Vegan Imperative: Why We Must Give Up Meat and Why We Don't By David Blatte
From All-Creatures.org Book, CD and Video Review Guide

Author: David Blatte

Several Reviews

Publisher: Pythagorean Publishing

vegan imperative
The Vegan Imperative: Why We Must Give Up Meat and Why We Don't
Available at Amazon
ISBN-10 : 1736573209
ISBN-13 : 978-1736573204

Reviews:

David Blatte interweaves the central tenets of the vegan ethic with his personal narrative in a way that is accessible and engaging to the reader. He adds the unique influence of Buddhist teachings to support his journey of understanding how humans contemplate and process the concept of true compassion for all. The author addresses the many internal and external influences we each experience in either making or not making the connection of the consequences of eating animals - the meat-paradox and compassion. Through incorporating different perspectives from a diverse group of individuals, the reader is presented with strong support for the vegan moral imperative. David takes the time to address all of the consequential issues associated with being a meat eater and clearly and factually debunks every argument for speciesism. The author poignantly asks "Why not vegan?" and supports any and all efforts towards this end. Most importantly, he encourages all of us to do the best we can - he reminds us, "Even though none of us are perfect, we can aspire to be."
- Krissi Vandenberg, Executive Director, Vegan Action

Every page of this work signals the rigor of thought and commitment to principle that have characterized David Blatte's personal witness for compassionate treatment of animals in the 30 years I've known him. It's a discerning narrative that reflects his keen appreciation for the thoughts, emotions, and feelings of friends and family members who have struggled to come to terms with the same basic question: is it right to eat meat? If you're inclined to think that the world doesn't need another book on veganism, think again, and read this one.
- Bernard Unti, Senior Principal Strategist for Communications, Humane Society of the United States

A fascinating and informative glimpse into the life of an animal activist, thinker, and lawyer, David Blatte's The Vegan Imperative illuminates the ability of law, philosophy, and psychology to support the movement for animal rights. As a matter of justice, animals deserve a legal and social status that reflects the richness of their lives and their capacity for joy and suffering. The Vegan Imperative makes a compelling case for such a transformation.
- Matthew Liebman, Chair of the Justice for Animals Program and Associate Professor, University of San Francisco School of Law

If we are to forge a pathway to our collective well-being, we need to recognize the interconnectedness between diet, animal cruelty, and the health of our precious larger body, this earth. The Vegan Imperative shines a clear light on this crucial domain, showing how we can respond nonjudgmentally, wisely and with compassion to the suffering in our world.
- Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion

David begins The Vegan Imperative with a moving depiction of how personal tragedy and his own suffering led to an awareness of the universality of suffering, and how this awakened a sense of all-embracing compassion in his heart. He combines his concern for animals with humor, storytelling and the latest research, engaging the reader as he recounts his journey to veganism and articulates, with compelling clarity, the moral, environmental and health reasons to refrain from eating animal-sourced foods. Having answered why vegan, David provides helpful insights into the enigmatic question: despite the harm, why do kind and caring people not go vegan? For those unfamiliar with veganism, this book provides many revelations, and even seasoned vegans will discover fresh ideas and new perspectives. For anyone striving for a life of greater peace and harmony--vegans and nonvegans alike--The Vegan Imperative is a must-read.
- Dr. Will Tuttle, author of The World Peace Diet

Living with rescued farmed animals for over 30 years, I've experienced firsthand how intelligent and sensitive they are. The Vegan Imperative will inspire you to take a hard look at your food choices. If we are to practice compassion for all sentient beings, veganism is essential.
- Kim Sturla, Executive Director, Animal Place

About the Author:

David is a former executive director of Vegan Action, where he instituted the “certified vegan” logo, now used on over 10,000 products. He was also an animal law attorney, handling a number of groundbreaking cases featured in The Vegan Imperative. He is a cofounder of Dharma Voices for Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting veganism within the meditation and dharma communities, and director of the film Animals and the Buddha.

David was also a public defender, representing criminal defendants who could not afford an attorney. A certified teacher, he taught high school math at Berkeley High School and social studies as the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas boys school. He has also been a professional blackjack player, realtor and computer programmer.

His primary pursuit is meditation. In over 20 years of meditating, he has lived on monasteries in Asia and the United States for just under a year and has accumulated over two years of silent, intensive practice. He also teaches meditation and offers a free online beginning course at www.vipassanameditationteacher.com.


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